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When the Maria Mitchell Association opens its Aquarium, Natural Science Museum, Historic Mitchell House, Vestal Street Observatory, and the Loines Observatory for the season on June 8, there will be plenty of new exhibits and programs to quench everyone’s thirst for science education and research.

The Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium will feature an exhibit dedicated to jellyfish. With a new tank designed specifically for jellyfish, visitors will have the opportunity to examine these gelatinous creatures up close and learn more about their lifecycle and the role they play in the ocean ecosystem.

At the Natural Science Museum at Hinchman House, a new exhibit called “The Teabag Experiment” will entice visitors to become citizen scientists and be part of a worldwide research project to collect data on decomposition rates and global warming. Visitors to the exhibit will receive a research kit to take home containing fast and slow decomposing tea bags with known starting weights. The teabags are buried in the ground and allowed to decompose for a period of three months at which time they will be dug up and weighed again. The difference in weight is recorded on a data sheet and submitted as part of a worldwide data gathering effort. From that data, scientists will improve their calculations regarding the rate of global warming. Also, Nantucket High School Student, Skyler Kardell, designed a new exhbit “Specimen of the Week” which highlights rarely seen items in the Maria Mitchell Association’s scientific collections.

As it has been for almost fifty years, Loines Observatory will be open to the public during Open Nights each Monday and Wednesday from 9 pm – 10:30 pm. Visitors are invited to join our professional astronomers for an impressive tour of the starry sky and for telescopic viewing of the Moon, planets, galaxies, and more.

The summer season will also bring new educational programs for adults and children alike. Thanks to a grant from CARE for the Cape and Islands, the MMA will offer Trash to Treasure: Upcycling Sculpture with Artist Cindy Pease Roe. Cindy will lead three workshops that turn plastic flotsam into whale sculptures. The Maria Mitchell Association will partner with the Artists Association of Nantucket and

ACK Clean Team. A family workshop will be held on June 30 from 9 am to 11:30 am at 33 Washington Street. Two adult programs will be held for adults at the Artists Association of Nantucket on June 28 and July 6 from 9 am to 11:30 am. Artists at the workshop will be encouraged to donate their sculptures for auction on August 13 with proceeds to benefit the Maria Mitchell Association. Registrations for these programs and others are easily registered for online at www.mariamitchell.org .

Families are invited to learn more about the unique natural environment on Nantucket by participating in a six-part program called “Nantucket Nature – An Interactive Series for Families.” Each Wednesday, starting July 12 through August 16 from 9 am to 10 am at the Nantucket Community School, a different aspect of Nantucket nature is examined. Topics range from geology to plants, birds, and astronomy. Register for the whole series or choose by week.

On August 21, Nantucket will experience a solar eclipse. To celebrate this important celestial event, the Maria Mitchell Association will feature “Solar Eclipse Week,” August 14 – 21. The week is packed with lectures and workshops to help people understand and appreciate this rare event. The week culminates with the big event on Monday, August 21 at an Eclipse Party at Loines Observatory from 1:30 pm – 4 pm. Throughout the week, the MMA will be giving out free solar glasses. These glasses will allow viewers an opportunity to safely view the eclipse. Glasses can be picked up at 4 Vestal Street.

Newly designed Pre-Wee camps have been created to better engage both parent and child. A new ocean themed classroom adds to the fun of learning during this program and all Pre-Wee classes include a themed snack. This is a wonderful opportunity for children aged 3.5 to 5 when accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

For a complete listing of programs, speakers and workshops, visit www.mariamitchell.org or call for a complete program catalog.

Thank you everyone for your continued support to protect our skies. We have been in contact with the Town Administration who has released the following positive note:

Town Administration would like to assure the community, Maria Mitchell Association, and lovers of open skies around the world that the Town of Nantucket is working to resolve the situation at Loines Observatory so that we maintain the unobstructed views for visitors and researchers that existed prior to the installation of the new poles. At the December 7th Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board decided to move ahead with the bike path project as it was already under construction. The Board also agreed to work with the utility companies to find a solution. The lines of communication between the town and the Maria Mitchell Association are open. We are actively working to determine cost and quick time frames to either reduce the height of the poles or place the wires underground.

I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you of an issue that is directly impacting the Maria Mitchell Association and our landmark Observatories. The Town of Nantucket is currently installing a bike path on Milk Street, which of course, we support. However, in order to install the bike path, the Town decided to move the utility poles to the north side of the street, directly adjacent to the Maria Mitchell Association’s Loines Observatory. In addition to moving the pole location closer to the Observatory, we also just learned that the newly installed poles are much taller than the existing poles. The combination of closer and taller poles and wires means that the view of the night sky from Loines Observatory will be significantly impacted, both for our visitors and research astronomers alike. Particularly disturbing is the fact that this will affect our views of the southern sky, which contains the ecliptic – the apparent path of the Sun, Moon, and planets in the sky – as well as the direction towards the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Not only will the new poles and wires obstruct our visitors’ views of the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, but also, it will essentially end our capability to perform research in that part of the sky.

Once we became aware of this critical issue, the MMA immediately sent a letter to the Board of Selectman, Town Planner, and the Nantucket Historical Commission. We presented testimony last night at the Board of Selectman meeting and implored them to rectify this problem with a solution that would not impact our viewing and research. Although the Board expressed concern and said they would ask various experts for alternatives, they also suggested that perhaps MMA could pay to have the lines moved underground. Obviously, this is wholly unacceptable. I have heard estimates of $100,000 to $1,000,000. Our resources must be dedicated to providing science education and research opportunities to the children and adults on Nantucket, as well as our curious visitors. Paying to install utilities because of bad information and a lack of consideration for one of Nantucket’s cultural, scientific, and historic landmarks is not acceptable.

Obviously MMA will do everything we can to have the poles and wires moved to ensure an unimpeded view of the night sky and to secure the legacy of Maria Mitchell and the great scientists who followed in her footsteps. Future generations of astronomers should not have to modify their research interests because of wires thoughtlessly installed in 2016. Future generations of visitors to our immensely popular Open Nights at the Observatory should not be told that their view of Saturn or Mars is obstructed because of wires installed by the Town without consideration of the legacy of our scientific and educational institution.

Although the MMA will work diligently to save our clear view of the sky, we need our members and supporter’s help. As you are likely aware, Maria believed in and fought for women’s access to the practice of science in a time when it was generally denied. Let us not now stand by and watch as a precious resource – our access to the night sky – is taken away by careless planning. Please e-mail and/or call the Nantucket selectmen and ask them to find a solution that makes our sky whole again and allows a clear view of the planets and stars for generations to come. Tell them about your experiences at the Observatory. Time is of the essence!

Of course, your own words are usually best but feel free to use this text if you would like:

“As a long term supporter of science research and education on Nantucket and the Maria Mitchell Association’s Loines Observatories, I urge you to look for a solution that will eliminate the significant impact that the new poles and wires will have on astronomical research and viewing of the night sky from the Loines Observatory.”

The American burying beetle, the largest and most visually striking of America’s carrion beetles, was reintroduced to Nantucket Island in 1994 as a part of an effort to save this federally endangered species. About the size of a wine cork with a black body and bright orange markings, the American burying beetle disappeared from most of the eastern United States in the last 100 years. A recent paper published in the Journal of Insect Conservation (http://rdcu.be/mLij) by scientists at the Maria Mitchell Association and the Roger Williams Park Zoo suggest the Nantucket population cannot survive without continued human assistance.

“This species has to find and bury a dead bird or rodent about the size of a rat to successfully reproduce and few places in the U.S. have enough animals like that anymore,” says Andrew Mckenna-Foster, lead author of the paper and the former Director of Natural Science at the Maria Mitchell Association. “These beetles are extremely efficient recyclers of dead animals. The American burying beetles evolved to specialize on certain sized carrion, possibly the now-extinct passenger pigeon, and we think a loss of bird species and an increase in competition from animals like opossum have made life very difficult for them,” continues Mckenna-Foster.

The published paper outlines successful reintroduction methods for Nantucket and provides a recipe to re-establish the population. The researchers provided carrion in the form of quail carcasses to the beetles and saw the population rise to a peak of 212 beetles in 2011. After reducing the number of quail provided, they watched the population drop to only 24 beetles in 2016. Changes to field methods and careful record keeping allowed them to make conclusions on why the population decreased. This comprehensive knowledge about the Nantucket population opens up new avenues of research. Ultimately, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for the Nantucket population and deliberations are underway to determine next steps. “The MMA is proud to be intimately involved with this important reintroduction of an endangered invertebrate. It is important to note that this is the longest running introductory effort of an endangered invertebrate in the US” states David Gagnon, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association.

This work is important because it supports the hypothesis that a reduction in carrion is primarily responsible for the decline and this is probably true across the U.S. Since the late 1800s, humans have drastically changed ecosystems around the world and one result has been a simple reduction of the number of animals out there. “It’s easy to notice when a big species like the Carolina Parakeet goes extinct due to hunting. But it’s also easy to overlook what happens to all the species that depended on that bird. We’re starting to understand how species extinctions have sent reverberations through the ecosystem as a whole” says Mckenna-Foster.

Research on the American burying beetles on Nantucket will continue in 2017. More information on this species and many other rare or common birds, plants, fish, and insects can be found at the Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum or contact the association if you would like a digital copy of the publication.

The Maria Mitchell Association is named after America’s first female astronomer, Maria Mitchell. She is known for discovering a comet over Nantucket in October 1847. She went on to become the first professor at Vassar College. The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve her legacy of scientific achievement and to carry on her passion for hands-on learning. Today, the Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories (Loines and the Maria Mitchell Observatory), as well as the MMA Aquarium, the Natural Science Museum, and the birthplace of Maria Mitchell. More information about the Maria Mitchell Association can be found at www.mariamitchell.org.

Nantucket, MA – This past August, the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA), Nantucket’s Science Center, received a $15,000 matching grant to fund marine research for on-island and visiting scientists from the Triad Foundation. Nearly one month ahead of the Triad Foundation’s November 18 deadline, the MMA exceeded the match. A total for sixty individuals made donations totaling nearly $18,000 as of October 15, nearly $3,000 above the goal. This means the MMA has received $30,000 towards its important research concerning Nantucket’s waters.

“Our members and supporters are passionate about Nantucket and its surrounding waters. That’s why they rose to the challenge and took the opportunity to double their donation for a cause that resonates with their interest. Best of all, the combination of the grant and donations will provide much needed funds to maintain our Aquarium and marine research programs in Nantucket waters,” says David Gagnon, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association.

The grant will also help fund the cost of maintaining the MMA’s 15-foot Boston Whaler. The boat is used for a variety of research projects including mooring effects on eelgrass, harbor phytoplankton biodiversity, and barrier dune snake surveys.

In addition to meeting local research needs, the boat and MMA Aquarium is available to visiting scientists to further their research. The MMA works with a variety of scientists and organizations including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution which this summer conducted local research on non-native tunicates and rare jellyfish.

The Maria Mitchell Association is named after America’s first female astronomer, Maria Mitchell. She is known for discovering a comet over Nantucket in October 1847. She went on to become the first professor at Vassar College. The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve her legacy of scientific achievement and to carry on her passion for hands-on learning. Today, the Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories (Loines and the Maria Mitchell Observatory), as well as the MMA Aquarium, the Natural Science Museum, and the birthplace of Maria Mitchell. More information about the Maria Mitchell Association can be found at www.mariamitchell.org.

Nantucket, MA – Set against a spectacular night sky, and a warm October night, the Women’s Chorus of Nantucket offered their voices to the heavens with three star-themed songs at the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association’s Loines Observatory. The performance was held on Wednesday, October 19th at an event celebrating the extraordinary women of Nantucket. The evening was hosted by the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket’s Science Center (MMA).

With nearly twenty members, the Chorus sang three songs on the deck of the Observatory under the stars. Guests particularly enjoyed their rendition of the 1934 song “Blue Moon” made popular by the doo-wop group, The Marcels, in 1961. Under the direction of Barbara Elder, the Women’s Chorus of Nantucket practice weekly at the Nantucket Community Music Center. The Chorus is open to all community members and includes performers of all levels

In addition to the music, guests enjoyed wine and cheese along with some Halloween treats. Following the concert, guests and performers viewed the night sky through Loines Observatory’s state-of-the-art 24-inch research telescope and through the refurbished 8-inch historic Clark telescope. The MMA’s Director of Astronomy, Dr. Regina Jorgenson, also took the group on a tour of the constellations and Jascin Finger, MMA’s Curator, spoke about Maria Mitchell’s contributions to science and Nantucket Island.

“This was such a great partnership, bringing the music of the Women’s Chorus of Nantucket to the Loines Observatory. It is one of those cases where art and science came together and resulted in a wonderful evening,” says David Gagnon, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association. “Besides a great performance and a spectacular night sky above, it was a wonderful community event that brought friends together and provided an opportunity to make new ones,” he adds.

The Maria Mitchell Association is named after America’s first female astronomer, Maria Mitchell. She is known for discovering a comet over Nantucket in October 1847. She went on to become the first professor at Vassar College. The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve her legacy of scientific achievement and to carry on her passion for hands-on learning. Today, the Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories (Loines and the Maria Mitchell Observatory), as well as the MMA Aquarium, the Natural Science Museum, and the birthplace of Maria Mitchell. More information about the Maria Mitchell Association can be found at www.mariamitchell.org.

Nantucket, MA –Susan and Howard Bloom have announced the Adam Bloom Scholarship Fund for children interested in participating in the Maria Mitchell Association’s (MMA) winter and spring vacation camp programs which will be again running in December and April. Applications, available at www.mariamitchell.org, are now being accepted for the MMA’s Winter Discovery Camp which will run December 27th – 30th. Over these four days, campers will understand how nature inspires artists, engineers, and new technologies. They will explore a variety of habitats, design outdoor sculptures, create their own animal superhero, build robots, and learn about the significance of MMA’s scientific collections. They will also build a Nantucket nature collection of their own to take home. This camp is appropriate for ages 7-11 years.

According to Sue and Howard Bloom, “Throughout Adam’s life, he had a keen interest in the world around him. He could often be found with his sister and friends, exploring the beaches and marshes throughout Nantucket looking for crabs, fish, and any other creatures they could find. His passion was inspired by his participation in many of the camp programs at the Maria Mitchell Association. As a child, Adam could be found continuing or repeating the activities that he learned to do at camp that day. He was a budding young naturalist.”

“The Adam Bloom Scholarship Fund will enable island children the opportunity to enjoy these very popular camps and experience the joy of ‘learning by doing’ on our beautiful island. We are deeply grateful that the Blooms and their generous friends decided to create a fund in memory of Adam at the Maria Mitchell Association,” stated David Gagnon, the MMA’s Executive Director. He also added that this is an ongoing scholarship and that additional donations for the scholarship are encouraged and welcome.

The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

Nantucket, MA – The Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket’s Science Center, sent the marine creatures in its seasonal public aquarium back to the ocean with a spirited send-off on Saturday, September 3rd. More than 300 people released 404 animals from the tanks to the edge of the Harbor behind the MMA Aquarium with the help of volunteers and staff. Release Day is an annual event for the MMA Aquarium as it prepares to close the facility for the season. These animals served as ambassadors to the aquatic world for the thousands of summer visitors to the Aquarium. “We are excited when we catch specimens at the start of the summer season and are eager to share their natural history with visitors. This collection of fish, crabs, shellfish and even sharks, represents the biodiversity of Nantucket Harbor. We are just as excited to release them back to the Harbor at the end of the season. And from the number of people who were present, it is obvious that the public loves this annual ritual,” says Dave Gagnon, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association. During Release Day, a total of 211 fish were returned to the ocean, along with sixty-six crabs, four sharks, 111 shellfish and mollusks, and a dozen other marine creatures. At the event, the public were invited to make donations to the MMA Aquarium. The MMA Aquarium received a $15,000 matching grant from the Triad Foundation and nearly $6,000 has already been raised. The matching grant will be utilized for Aquarium improvements and marine research. The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. # # #

On Tuesday, August 30, Dr. Mario E. Motta presented during our Science Speaker Series. Dr. Motta is a Cardiologist at North Shore Medical Center and Partner at North Shore Cardiovascular Associates. In his presentation, Dr. Motta explained the effects of light pollution and the best practices for the change over to efficient LED lighting.

If you missed this great lecture, you can see the PowerPoint below. More information on light pollution can be found on our website here.

Maria Mitchell Association

Maria Mitchell Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is the promotion of the legacy of Maria Mitchell and exploration, education and enjoyment of Nantucket's land waters and skies beyond.